Stranger’s liver donation saves baby girl after Facebook plea

A baby girl’s life was saved after a compassionate stranger answered her mother’s urgent plea on Facebook. Helin Dinler, diagnosed with Biliary Atresia shortly after birth, faced a grim prognosis. At six months old, doctors informed her family that she needed an immediate liver transplant to survive beyond 18 months. Unfortunately, none of her relatives, including her nine-year-old sister Veronika, were suitable matches.

In April, Helin’s mother, Anna Shushura, 36, from Stirling, made a heartfelt appeal on social media, seeking a liver donor for her daughter. Letty Fenlon, a 27-year-old show jumper from Yorkshire, saw the post through a friend and immediately offered to help. After extensive tests, doctors confirmed she was a match.

Letty, already registered as an organ donor, felt a strong urge to assist. “I noticed Anna’s post through a friend. I was already an organ donor, but I decided to check if I was a match. When I found out I was, it was incredible to know I could potentially save Helin’s life,” she said. Despite the risks, Letty felt compelled to proceed, understanding the family’s desperation.

Helin’s condition was evident early, as she began losing weight soon after birth. Despite a healthy pregnancy and a seemingly perfect newborn, surgery at Leeds Children’s Hospital at six weeks old did not succeed, leaving a transplant as the only option.

In May, Letty underwent a six-hour surgery at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, donating a portion of her liver to Helin. She remarked, “I was nervous but no more so than when I compete with my horses. The incision was tough, but the liver’s ability to heal itself is remarkable.”

Helin received her new liver the day after Letty’s surgery without complications. Anna expressed immense gratitude, saying, “Letty’s act of kindness gave Helin a second chance at life. We will be forever thankful.”

Helin was placed on the urgent transplant list just a week before her surgery due to her deteriorating condition. Anna recalled the relief upon learning a match was found, describing the overwhelming emotions.

Now nine months old and twelve weeks post-transplant, Helin is thriving. She continues to have weekly hospital visits, but her progress is promising. Anna, who maintains regular contact with Letty, is overjoyed to have her daughter home and healthy.

Letty cherishes the updates from Anna, appreciating the positive news about Helin’s recovery and development.